A cool start turned red hot in Quebec City on Canada Day. Morning clouds left over from heavy rains overnight and a cool breeze waved the Canadian flag in front of the Château Frontenac. By the time the giant birthday cake was served on Dufferin Terrace, the heat and humidity of the day had started to kick in. By mid-afternoon it was even hotter and stickier, to the great discomfort of thousands of Quebecers who were also moving on July 1.

The Kids’ Zone on the Plains of Abraham bustled with activities, with a cannon blasting foamy bubbles for young and old. Bouncy castle heaven would look like this, with many different inflatables for different ages. Imaginative play specialists Marie-Stella were there too, to provide children with a stuffed animal hospital. If toy animals weren’t enough, a petting zoo was on site.

For many tourists, like the D’Silva family from Toronto, it was their first time visiting Quebec City. Rebecca D’Silva commented, “The city has been a great place to visit for our family. The Old City and its beautiful architecture are all within easy walking distance, so we’ve been able to enjoy many of the sites and entertainment during our time here. Happy Canada Day!”

Most toddlers and younger children couldn’t stay up late enough for the 10 p.m. fireworks, yet many parents were able to see them from far and wide, such as from a high balcony in Limoilou. On 3e Avenue, the evening was overshadowed by a fire, which saw multiple firefighters (including six fire trucks), paramedics and police in rescue mode for certain residents between 7e and 8e Rue.

Rebecca and Ryan D’Silva, with their three children Raina, 6, Robert, 4, and Rhys, almost 2, from Toronto, were some of the first in line for Canada Day birthday cake.

Hancel Ardila stands with his nine-year-old son, Edouard, on the Plains of Abraham. Both are fans of World Cup soccer (especially the Colombian team) and of Canada Day.